US B-52 bombers flew over the Persian Gulf to warn Iran as fears of “complex attacks” against Americans have ramped up. This marks the second time in December 2020 that strategic bombers were flown over the Persian Gulf. Two Air Force B-54 bombers were used to caution Iran from attacking American or allied targets in […]
US B-52 bombers flew over the Persian Gulf to warn Iran as fears of “complex attacks” against Americans have ramped up.
This marks the second time in December 2020 that strategic bombers were flown over the Persian Gulf.
Two Air Force B-54 bombers were used to caution Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East, a senior US military official revealed.
The round trip B-52 bomber mission began at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota on Tuesday and flew without any unexpected trouble, Fox News reported.
The nonstop, roundtrip flight took more than 30 hours to complete.
According to the news outlet, a senior US military official said Iran wants to “avenge” the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Soleimani was killed in a targeted attack – ordered by Trump after Iranian-backed militias had fired rockets at US targets – outside Baghdad’s airport on January 3.
The official told Fox they noticed “potential for other more complex attacks” against Americans in Iraq.
He added: “I think it is likely that the US Embassy in Baghdad would be attacked again in some manner.”
“We’re seeing planning for, particularly in Iraq for complex attacks that require Iranian assistance in order to be pulled off,” the official, who wished to remain anonymous, explained.
“It’s unclear to us, whether it’s contingency planning, or whether it’s a plan that is advancing because approval has been given and they’re just trying to get all the pieces in place and execute.”
As of Wednesday morning, Iran has not publicly responded to the B-52 bomber mission.
Gen. Frank McKenzie, the 14th commander of the United States Central Command, made an announcement on Wednesday.
McKenzie stated: “The United States continues to deploy combat-ready capabilities into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to deter any potential adversary, and make clear that we are ready and able to respond to any aggression directed at Americans or our interests.
“We do not seek conflict, but no one should underestimate our ability to defend our forces or to act decisively in response to any attack.”
Last week, President Trump issued a threat against Iran, saying he would “hold Iran responsible” for any deaths after US Embassy in Baghdad rocket attack.
Trump tweeted: “Our embassy in Baghdad got hit Sunday by several rockets. Three rockets failed to launch.”
“Guess where they were from: IRAN. Now we hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq,” the president wrote, alongside a photo of the three rockets.
“Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over.”
Meanwhile, Iran told the US last week not to provoke “tensions” between the two nations.
More to follow…
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